JP2013156740A - Plug unit and plug unit-mounted device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a plug unit capable of matching interoperation with a reader writer and interoperation with a device, and a device having the plug unit mounted therein.SOLUTION: A plug unit includes: two interface sections that are non-contact and wired; an electrical power entry section that receives electrical power from a device; an electrical power generation section that uses radio of a reader/writer as a source; a first memory section that is connected to the electrical power entry section and the electrical power generation section and can write and read data in a non-volatile manner; a memory control section that is connected to the electrical power entry section and the electrical power generation section, controls writing of data, obtained through both interfaces, to be written onto the first memory section, and controls reading of data from the first memory section; a signal generation section that generates a signal indicating that the reader/writer is being radiating radio waves; and a second memory section that is connected to the electrical power entry section and the wired interface section, can write and read data in a volatile manner, and has a capacity larger than the first memory section.

Description

  The present invention relates to a plug device that can be connected to various devices and a device that incorporates the plug device, and more particularly to a plug device that performs non-contact communication using an irradiation radio wave from a reader / writer and a device that incorporates the plug device.

  In recent years, the form of contactless data communication has spread. Originally, an IC tag (also referred to as a wireless tag, an RFID tag, a non-contact data carrier, etc.) and a reader / writer for writing or reading data on the IC tag are used. In this case, the IC tag emits radio waves from itself only when radio wave irradiation from the reader / writer side is used as power, and in that sense, the IC tag is passive. The IC tag is used by being attached to various devices and articles. As the reader / writer, an IC tag or a dedicated device is often used depending on the type of device or article to which the IC tag is attached. Recently, a general-purpose electronic device such as a smartphone is used as the reader / writer. Applications are also being considered.

  Conversely, a form in which a specific device or article side functions as a reader / writer and information necessary for the device or article is acquired by performing non-contact communication with a device equivalent to an IC tag is also used. A module to be incorporated in order to allow a specific device or article side to function as a reader / writer has been developed. As a device corresponding to an IC tag in this case, for example, an electronic device such as a smartphone is also used. The smartphone at this time is passive.

  An IC tag is generally not electrically connected to a device or article to which the IC tag is attached. However, there is a configuration in which a part having a function similar to that of an IC tag is modularized and electrically incorporated (for example, Patent Documents). 1). On the other hand, the reader / writer is generally electrically connected to a device or an article component provided with the reader / writer.

JP 2010-134672 A Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-227954

  The present invention provides a plug device that can be connected to various devices and a device incorporating the plug device, can perform non-contact communication with an irradiation radio wave from a reader / writer, and can be electrically connected to the device. An object of the present invention is to provide a plug device capable of harmoniously performing an interoperation with a reader / writer side and an interoperation with a device side, and a device incorporating the plug device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a plug device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a non-contact interface unit for performing wireless data communication with a reader / writer, and a wired interface for performing wired data communication with a device. A power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side, a power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source, and the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit In addition to the power introduction unit, a first memory unit connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit, which is connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit, is a memory unit capable of writing and reading data in a nonvolatile manner. Connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied also from the power generation unit, and the non-contact interface unit and the front The first memory unit is controlled to write data to be written to the first memory unit obtained via the non-contact interface connected to the wired interface unit, and via the wired interface. Write control of data to be written to the first memory unit is performed on the first memory unit, and read control of data to be sent to the reader / writer is performed on the first memory unit. Memory control for supplying the data to the non-contact interface unit, and performing read control of data to be sent to the device to the first memory unit and supplying the data to the wired interface unit And a signal indicating that the reader / writer is receiving radio waves based on the power generated by the power generation unit A detection signal generation unit that generates as an output signal, and is connected to the power introduction unit so that power can be supplied from the power introduction unit. And a second memory unit connected to the wired interface unit so as to be supplied to the wired interface and capable of writing and reading data in a nonvolatile manner and having a larger capacity than the first memory unit. To do.

  This plug device is configured to be able to operate appropriately according to the combination of the operation state of the reader / writer and the operation state of the device. In other words, it is configured so that the mutual operation with the reader / writer side and the mutual operation with the device side are performed harmoniously. This is due to the following. That is, the memory unit and the memory control unit are provided on the premise that they include a “power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side” and a “power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source”. However, the power introduction unit and the power generation unit are connected so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit. In addition, a detection signal generation unit that generates a signal indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer as an electromagnetic field detection signal is further provided.

  According to the present invention, in a plug device that can be connected to various devices and a device incorporating the plug device, non-contact communication can be performed with an irradiation radio wave from a reader / writer, and electrical connection with the device can be performed. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a plug device capable of harmoniously performing an interoperation with the reader / writer side and an interoperation with the device side, and a device incorporating the plug device.

The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the plug apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention with the positioning of the reader / writer (smartphone) and the various apparatuses (PC as an example) which cooperate. Explanatory drawing which shows the operation mode considered by the combination of the operation state of a reader / writer and the operation state of PC in the plug apparatus shown in FIG. The typical top view which shows the structural example at the time of implement | achieving the plug apparatus shown in FIG. 1 using the wiring board.

  As an embodiment of the present invention, the wired interface unit may include a USB (universal serial bus) connector for electrical connection with the device. The USB connector is a general-purpose detachable connector, so that the user can freely connect the plug device to the device as needed. The plug device can be commonly used for a plurality of devices.

  Based on the above, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a plug device according to an embodiment together with positioning of a reader / writer (smartphone) and various devices (for example, a PC) that cooperate with each other. As shown in the figure, the plug device 1 includes a coil antenna 10, a wireless side connection unit 11, a power generation unit 12, a memory control unit 13, a memory unit 14 (memory unit I), a terminal unit 15, and a wired side connection unit. 16, a power introduction unit 17, a detection signal output unit 18, and a memory unit 19 (memory unit II).

  The coil antenna 10 and the wireless-side connection unit 11 constitute a non-contact interface unit, and this non-contact interface unit is used for wireless data communication between the apparatus 1 and the reader / writer 50. The terminal unit 15 and the wired side connection unit 16 constitute a wired interface unit, and this wired interface unit is used for performing wired data communication between the apparatus 1 and a PC (host CPU) 60.

  The coil antenna 10 senses an irradiation radio wave (electromagnetic field, radio) from the reader / writer 50 and transmits the energy and information contained therein to the radio side connection unit 11. In addition, as a response to the irradiation radio wave, an electromagnetic field to be irradiated to the reader / writer 50 is generated by the power on which information is superimposed supplied via the wireless side connection unit 11.

  The wireless side connection unit 11 separates the energy transmitted from the coil antenna 10 and the information contained therein, sends the energy to the power generation unit 12, and supplies the information to the memory control unit 13. In addition, the power generated by the power generation unit 12 is received and supplied to the coil antenna 10, and information that is read data of the memory unit 14 supplied from the memory control unit 13 is superimposed on the power. The power on which the information is superimposed is transmitted from the wireless side connection unit 11 to the coil antenna 10.

  The power generation unit 12 generates power to be supplied to the memory control unit 13 and the memory unit 14 in addition to the wireless side connection unit 11 using the wireless energy transmitted via the wireless side connection unit 11 as a source. In addition, the detection signal output unit 18 is notified that power has been generated.

  The memory control unit 13 is connected to the power introduction unit 17 and the power generation unit 12 so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit 12 in addition to the power introduction unit 17. The power introduction unit 17 is a power introduction unit from the PC 60 side via the wired side connection unit 16.

  The memory control unit 13 is connected to a non-contact interface unit (wireless side connection unit 11) and a wired interface unit (wired side connection unit 16). Thereby, the write control of the data to be written to the memory unit 14 obtained via the wireless side connection unit 11 is performed on the memory unit 14 and the data should be written to the memory unit 14 obtained via the wired side connection unit 16 Data write control is performed on the memory unit 14. In addition, read control of data to be transmitted to the reader / writer 50 is performed on the memory unit 14 to supply this data to the wireless side connection unit 11, and read control of data to be transmitted to the PC 60 is performed on the memory unit 14. And the data is supplied to the wired side connection unit 16.

  The memory unit 14 is a memory that is connected to the power introduction unit 17 and the power generation unit 12 so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit 12 in addition to the power introduction unit 17 and can write and read data in a nonvolatile manner. There is (for example, EEPROM). Data writing and reading are controlled by the memory control unit 13.

  The terminal unit 15 is a physical component having a plurality of terminals for electrical connection between the apparatus 1 and the PC 60, and here, a USB connector is used as an example. In general, the apparatus 1 may be provided as a connector for permanently incorporating the apparatus 1 in various devices other than the PC 60. When a detachable connector such as a USB connector is provided, the user can freely connect the plug device 1 to various devices as necessary. In addition, one plug device 1 can be commonly used for various devices.

  The wired side connection unit 16 is connected to each terminal of the terminal unit 15, the memory control unit 13, and the memory unit 19, thereby data (information) between the terminal unit 15 and the memory control unit 13 or the memory unit 19. Buffering (mediation) Furthermore, the power supplied from the PC 60 side via the terminal unit 15 is sent to the power introduction unit 17. Further, it mediates transmission of a signal (electromagnetic field detection signal described later) generated by the detection signal output unit 18 to the terminal unit 15.

  The power introduction unit 17 is a power introduction unit that uses the PC 60 as a source, and supplies the introduced power to the memory control unit 13, the memory unit 14, and the memory unit 19. It is located between the memory control unit 13, the memory unit 14, and the memory unit 19. As the hardware, more specifically, for example, a step-down power supply circuit, a ripple suppression decoupling filter circuit, or a simple lead wire can be considered.

  The detection signal output unit 18 generates, as an electromagnetic field detection signal, a signal indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer 50 based on the power generated by the power generation unit 12. The generated electromagnetic field detection signal is sent to the wired side connection unit 16. This electromagnetic field detection signal is a signal for informing the PC 60 that the apparatus 1 is communicating with the reader / writer 50 (see below). More specifically, the hardware of the detection signal output unit 18 may be a buffer circuit or a simple conductor.

  The memory unit 19 is connected to the power introduction unit 17 so that power can be supplied from the power introduction unit 17, and additionally receives data to be written from the wired side connection unit 16 and reads the read data from the wired side connection unit The memory is connected to the wired side connection unit 16 so that the data can be supplied to the memory 16 and can write and read data in a nonvolatile manner (for example, a flash memory). The memory unit 19 has a larger capacity than the memory unit 14 described above, and is intended to allow the device 1 to operate as a so-called (simple) USB memory. Control of writing data to the memory unit 19 and reading data from the memory unit 19 is performed from the PC 60 side.

  The configuration of the plug device 1 has been described above. In addition to the PC 60, the following devices can be assumed as devices to which the plug device 1 can be connected. For example, a tablet terminal, various AV devices including a CPU, a cooking utensil such as an oven or a microwave oven including a CPU, a navigation system including a CPU, a digital photo frame or a photo printer including a CPU, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, these devices including the PC 60 can be considered both in the case of AC power supply driving and in the case of battery driving.

  Next, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation mode that can be considered by a combination of the operation state of the reader / writer 50 and the operation state of the PC 60 in the plug device 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the operation mode of the plug device 1 can be roughly divided into two according to the state of the reader / writer 50. Further, in each of them, the PC 60 is off, on, on and There are four possible states: when the memory unit 14 of the plug device 1 is in an access state, when it is on and when the memory unit 19 of the plug device 1 is in an access state. Thereby, a total of eight operation modes are shown.

  Mode numbers 1 to 4 are modes when the reader / writer 50 is not accessing the plug device 1 (that is, the reader / writer 50 is not in proximity to the plug device 1). In this case, if the PC 60 is powered off, the plug device 1 naturally does not perform any operation (mode number 1). If the PC 60 is powered on, power is supplied to the plug device 1 from the PC 60 side, and communication (access) with the PC 60 is possible at any time (mode number 2). There may also be a state in which the PC 60 is powered on and is actually accessing the plug device 1 and performing a predetermined communication (mode numbers 3 and 4).

  This access includes an access to the memory unit 14 (mode number 3) and an access to the memory unit 19 (mode number 4). In the case of mode number 3, the memory control unit 13 and the memory unit 14 that are supplied with power by the power introduction unit 17 are actually operating. In the case of mode number 4, the memory unit 19 in a state where power is supplied by the power introduction unit 17 is actually operating.

  Next, mode numbers 5 to 8 are modes when the reader / writer 50 is accessing the plug device 1 (that is, the reader / writer 50 is brought close to the plug device 1). In this case, when the PC 60 is powered off, the memory unit 14 and the memory control unit 13 are turned on by power using the reader / writer 50 as an energy source, and the plug device 1 (the memory unit 14) and the reader are connected. Communication with the writer 50 is possible (mode number 5). It is an advantage of non-contact communication that the PC 60 can communicate with the plug device 1 connected thereto even when the power is off (the battery may be exhausted).

  When the reader / writer 50 comes close to the plug device 1, the PC 60 side may be turned on (mode number 6). In this case, non-contact communication is performed as usual with the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. This is because non-contact communication is triggered by the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. In the non-contact communication in this case, since the plug device 1 is always supplied with power from the PC 60 side, it does not need to be driven by power using the reader / writer 50 as an energy source.

  In this case, the plug device 1 further sends a signal (electromagnetic field detection signal) indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer 50 to the PC 60. This is due to the function of the detection signal output unit 18 as described above. Receiving this signal, the PC 60 can recognize that the plug device 1 is performing some non-contact communication. With this knowledge, for example, the PC 60 can take measures such as refraining from accessing the memory unit 14 of the plug device 1 so that competition with non-contact communication does not occur. Such a countermeasure is based on the setting on the PC 60 side that has received the electromagnetic field detection signal.

  Further, when the reader / writer 50 comes close to the plug device 1, the PC 60 side may be turned on and the PC 60 may actually be communicating (accessing) to the memory unit 14 of the plug device 1. Obtain (mode number 7). Also in this case, as in the case of the mode number 6, non-contact communication is started as the reader / writer 50 approaches the plug device 1. This is because non-contact communication is triggered by the proximity of the reader / writer 50 to the plug device 1. In the non-contact communication in this case, since the plug device 1 is always supplied with power from the PC 60 side, it does not need to be driven by power using the reader / writer 50 as an energy source.

  As described above, even when the non-contact communication between the reader / writer 50 and the plug device 1 is started while the PC 60 is communicating with the memory unit 14 of the plug device 1, the electromagnetic field detection signal is transmitted as described above. To PC 60. In this case, the PC 60 receiving this signal recognizes that the plug device 1 is performing some non-contact communication, and in this case, the memory unit of the plug device 1 does not cause a conflict with the non-contact communication. 14 can be interrupted. Such a countermeasure is based on the setting on the PC 60 side that has received the electromagnetic field detection signal.

  Thus, according to the idea that non-contact communication between the plug device 1 and the reader / writer 50 is given priority over communication between the memory unit 14 of the plug device 1 and the PC 60, the reader / writer 50 is connected to the plug device 1. Proximity always becomes the start trigger of non-contact communication, and easy-to-use non-contact communication is realized. However, the point of priority depends on the setting on the PC 60 side, and can also be as follows. That is, instead of interrupting the access to the plug device 1, the PC 60 that has received the electromagnetic field detection signal emits a warning sound without interruption and informs the user of the reader / writer 50 that the non-contact communication has been rejected. There may be an idea of notifying.

  Finally, when the reader / writer 50 comes close to the plug device 1, the PC 60 side is turned on, and the PC 60 is actually communicating (accessing) to the memory unit 19 of the plug device 1. Possible (mode number 8). Also in this case, as in the case of the mode number 6, non-contact communication is started as the reader / writer 50 approaches the plug device 1. The power supply is the same as in the case of mode number 6 described above. In this case, the signal (electromagnetic field detection signal) indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer 50 is also transmitted from the plug device 1 to the PC 60.

  In the case of the mode number 8, unlike the case of the mode number 7, the non-contact communication and the access from the PC 60 do not immediately compete with each other over the memory unit 14, so that both operate in parallel. It is possible. That is, the access from the PC 60 to the memory unit 19 is not interrupted. However, at this time, the PC 60 that has received the electromagnetic field detection signal can take such a measure as to refrain from accessing the memory unit 14 of the plug device 1 so as not to compete with non-contact communication. As described in the mode number 6 of FIG.

  The plug device 1 described above differs from a simple non-contact data carrier in the following points. That is, the data written in the memory unit 14 is not limited to data derived from non-contact data communication, and there may be data derived from the PC 60 side. That is, the data handled in the non-contact data communication can be dynamic data (variable value) linked with the PC 60. Therefore, the PC 60 to which the plug device 1 is connected is not only different from the PC 60 provided with the non-contact data carrier, but it is possible to easily take in information from the outside even when viewed from the PC 60 side. It has a convenient non-contact communication medium.

  In addition, the plug device 1 functions as a normal USB memory in that it includes a large-capacity memory unit 19, but in addition, includes a memory unit 14 that can be accessed from both the wireless side and the wired side. This is a great application advantage. In other words, using these collaborations, the following applications can be considered.

  Basically, in the communication between the reader / writer 50 and the PC 60 using the memory unit 14 as an intermediary, various commands are transferred from the reader / writer 50 to the PC 60 (or a specified command designation is transmitted from the reader / writer 50 to the PC 60). In addition, the response command can be used to pass the command from the PC 60 to the reader / writer 50 in the reverse direction. It is conceivable that the response side is not fixed in time but after a predetermined time. On the other hand, the body of a file (large-capacity) that cannot be stored in the memory unit 14 and is specified or derived by such delivery or transmission is copied from the PC 60 to the memory unit 19 or from the memory unit 19 to the PC 60. You can treat it as a copy. The point that the plug device 1 can have easy portability is further utilized.

  As described above, when the plug device 1 is connected to the PC 60, the mutual operation with the reader / writer 50 side and the mutual operation with the PC 60 side can be performed harmoniously. This can contribute to such new applications. Unlike the reader / writer 50, the plug device 1 is passive and does not emit a radio wave of a strong electric field. In addition, the smart phone that is the reader / writer 50 can be functionally linked to the PC 60, and close cooperation between different PCs 60 via the smart phone becomes possible. It is also easy to link the PC 60 to information on the cloud or SNS.

  Next, a configuration example when the plug device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is realized using a wiring board will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view showing an example of a wiring board that achieves such an implementation. In FIG. 3, the same or corresponding elements as those shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, this plug device is configured by using a wiring board 21 and mounting necessary electrical elements thereon. The coil antenna 10 is provided in a spiral shape by a wiring pattern formed on the wiring substrate 21. The wiring board 21 may be a double-sided board provided with wiring layers on both sides, or a multilayer wiring board provided with three or more wiring layers. In these cases, the coil antenna 10 may include a plurality of these wirings. It can be formed into one loop across the layers.

  In this plug device, the wireless side connection unit 11, the power generation unit 12, the memory control unit 13, the memory unit 14, the wired side connection unit 16, the power introduction unit 17, and the detection signal output unit 18 are integrated in one chip. A non-volatile memory built-in communication control IC 100 is used. This results in a very compact unit. The memory unit 14 can be provided with an identification ID that cannot be rewritten, thereby enabling identification as a plug device from the reader / writer side. The rewritable area of the memory unit 14 is open to the user. The capacity is, for example, 2 kB to 8 kB. As a standard of the wireless interface of the communication control IC 100 with a built-in nonvolatile memory, for example, ISO15693 can be used.

An IC having the function of the wired side connection unit 16 is used on the wired interface side of the communication control IC 100 with built-in nonvolatile memory. When, for example, I ² C is used for the wired protocol of the IC 100, the IC having the function of the wired connector 16 converts the protocol into a signal that can be applied to the USB connector as the terminal unit 15. (Convert in the reverse direction in the same way). A memory unit 19 is also electrically connected to the wired side connection unit 16. In this plug device, the memory unit 19 is mounted on the back side of the wiring board 21.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Plug apparatus, 10 ... Coil antenna, 11 ... Wireless side connection part, 12 ... Electric power generation part, 13 ... Memory control part, 14 ... Memory part, 15 ... Terminal part, 16 ... Wire side connection part, 17 ... Power introduction , 18 ... detection signal output unit, 19 ... memory unit, 21 ... wiring board, 50 ... reader / writer (smart phone), 60 ... PC (host CPU), 100 ... communication control IC with built-in nonvolatile memory.

Claims (3)

A non-contact interface unit for wireless data communication with the reader / writer, and
A wired interface unit for performing wired data communication with the device;
A power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side;
A power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source;
A first memory unit that is connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit and can write and read data in a nonvolatile manner. A memory section;
In addition to the power introduction unit, connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit, and connected to the non-contact interface unit and the wired interface unit, Write control of data to be written to the first memory unit obtained via the non-contact interface is performed on the first memory unit, and the first memory unit obtained via the wired interface Write control of data to be written is performed on the first memory unit, and read control of data to be sent to the reader / writer is performed on the first memory unit, and the data is transmitted to the non-contact interface. Data to be supplied to the device and to be read out to the device, the first memory unit is controlled to read the data. A memory control unit for supplying to said wired interface unit,
A detection signal generation unit that generates a signal indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer as an electromagnetic field detection signal based on the power generated by the power generation unit;
Connected to the power introducing unit so that power can be supplied from the power introducing unit, and additionally, receiving the supply of data to be written from the wired interface and supplying the read data to the wired interface A plug device comprising: a second memory unit connected to the interface unit, capable of writing and reading data in a nonvolatile manner and having a larger capacity than the first memory unit.   The plug device according to claim 1, wherein the wired interface unit includes a USB connector for electrical connection with the device. A non-contact interface unit for performing wireless data communication with a reader / writer; a wired interface unit for performing wired data communication with a device; and a power introduction unit for receiving power supply from the device side; A power generation unit that generates power using radio from the reader / writer as an energy source; connected to the power introduction unit and the power generation unit so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit A first memory unit that is a memory unit capable of writing and reading data in a nonvolatile manner; and the power introduction unit and the power so that power can be supplied from the power generation unit in addition to the power introduction unit The non-contact interface connected to the generation unit and connected to the non-contact interface unit and the wired interface unit. Write control of data to be written to the first memory unit obtained via the network is performed on the first memory unit, and to be written to the first memory unit obtained via the wired interface Data write control is performed on the first memory unit, and data read control to be sent to the reader / writer is performed on the first memory unit, and the data is transferred to the non-contact interface unit. A memory control unit that supplies the data to the wired interface unit by performing read control of data to be supplied and sent to the device to the wired interface unit; and power generated by the power generation unit A detection signal generation unit that generates a signal indicating that radio wave irradiation is being performed from the reader / writer as an electromagnetic field detection signal; Connected to the power introduction unit so that it can be supplied, and in addition, connected to the wired interface unit so as to receive supply of data to be written from the wired interface and supply read data to the wired interface A second memory unit capable of writing and reading data in a nonvolatile manner and having a capacity larger than that of the first memory unit;
The plug device-embedded device comprising: the device into which the plug device is to be incorporated.

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